Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Manassas
February 11, 2019 by Jean Humbrecht
Car theft and Carjacking in Manassas sound the same, but they are actually very different offenses. Both crimes involve stolen vehicles, but the difference between car theft and Carjacking in Manassas is the amount of force used, the offender’s intent, and the penalty range.
What is the Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Manassas?
There are several differences between car theft and Carjacking in Manassas, and the Commonwealth must prove all of the elements of the particular crime in order to convict an offender of either car theft or Carjacking in Manassas.
Car Theft
Car theft in Manassas is a form of Grand Larceny. Therefore, to convict an offender of car theft in Manassas, the Commonwealth must prove all of the elements of Grand Larceny. Grand Larceny is taking property valued at more than $200, without consent, with the intent to permanently deprive an owner of his property or taking property from a person valued at $5 or more, without consent.
Carjacking
Carjacking in Manassas is the intentional seizure of a motor vehicle or seizure of control of a motor vehicle of another by violence with intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive the other person of possession or control of his property.
Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Manassas: Force
One Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Manassas is the Penalty
Car theft in Manassas (Va. Code §18.2-95) is stealing a car, and Carjacking in Manassas (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) is stealing a car by force or violence. To convict an offender of Carjacking in Manassas under Va. Code §18.2-58.1, the Commonwealth must prove that force or violence was used to take possession or control of a vehicle.
Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Manassas: Intent
Car theft requires intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property, but Carjacking can be proven with intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive an owner of his property.
Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Manassas: Penalties
Car theft in Manassas can be punished with anywhere from no jail time up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500. Carjacking (Va. Code §18.2-58.1), on the other hand, is much more serious, and is punished with 15 years up to life in prison.